Hepatitis B is a serious form of hepatitis caused by a virus HBV and leads to irritation and swelling of the liver. It affects people of all ages. The hepatitis B virus attacks the liver. The virus can lead to serious illness, liver damage and, in some cases, death.

SYMPTOMS

Depend on the phase of the disease and include:

• Appetite loss.

• Tiredness.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Abdominal pain.

• Dark yellow urine.

• Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)

• About 5% of people who get HBV infection become "chronic carriers." They often have no symptoms, but the virus stays in their body.

• About 25% of chronic HBV carriers get a disease called "chronic active hepatitis." These people may develop liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

CAUSES

Hepatitis B is spread through the blood and body fluids (semen, saliva, vaginal fluid) of an infected person. It can also be passed from an infected mother to a child.

Acute hepatitis needs no treatment other than careful monitoring of liver and other body functions with blood tests. The patient should take plenty of bed rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy foods.

Some patients with chronic hepatitis may be treated with antiviral medications if the liver function is quickly becoming worse or if there are signs of long term liver damage.

If the damage to the liver is already done, the only option is to go for a liver transplant.